After working with Callum for around 6 months, in No Limits, he started attending Berkshire Heroes: a centre which facilitates learning through animal care. Callum loves animals; he has many of his own pets at home and has a brilliant knowledge of them.
One day, when I was supporting Callum at Berkshire Heroes he was given the job of petting the resident rabbits - a very important part of animal care at the centre. The smile on Callum’s face told me and the staff there that he was very happy to be given this job and he was straight to it. Callum was so confident in the rabbit hutch; stroking, feeding and holding the rabbits - he’s a natural!
Then came Callum’s question: “Why don’t you hold one Claire?”
I had never held a rabbit before and was a bit unsure about how to do this correctly and to be honest I was also a bit unsure about their teeth!
I shared this with Callum who responded with a chirpy “It’s easy, like this”.
With that Callum confidently scooped one of the fluffy black rabbits into his arms.
“You’ve got to hold them tight so they feel safe Claire”
“Right” I thought, and with that I spent the next 15 minutes attempting to catch a rabbit! I looked to Callum for support and guidance, and I asked questions throughout about my technique and stance. Callum offered valuable tips and eventually I picked up a rabbit!
I scooted over to the hutch and sat next to Callum.
“Remember to hold her tightly” he said.
We spent the remainder of this session petting the rabbits while I asked Callum questions about rabbit care and praised him on his vast knowledge, not to mention his teaching skills!
I can now say that the next time I meet a rabbit I will be able to confidently, and correctly, hold one!
So there you go… this community learning works both ways!
Claire Partridge
Community Learning Facilitator
No Limits, Berkshire